With a name such as ZombieShakerBox, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is going to be one big glam horror schtick but just like me, you'd be way off target as this Vegas via Washington DC band have made an Alice In Chains style album that more than holds its own.
 
Layered vocals in the style of Layne and Jerry are present, the haunting melodies coupled with thoughtful lyrics are also in evidence, they even have the occasional Cantrell guitar solo to really replicate the sound and style of the Seattle legends.

Having taken more than two years to complete, 'Encrypted' is certainly a work of love and the subject matters of pain, regret, redemption etc are a personal outpouring that has been worth the time and effort main man Kirk Hulshoff has blatantly put in.

'Welcome To My Rave' instantly gets you into the AIC groove and although it's a pretty good homage, it's got more than enough of a hook to reel you in and enjoy the track rather than just thinking, "I'd rather listen to Alice," but it's on their first single, 'Blow N' Smoke' that they really do show the talent that sprinkles throughout the album - It's a confident, striding number that makes you look forward to what else is to follow whilst adding a touch of Rob Zombie to proceedings. 'Gates Of Hell', 'Answer To No One' and 'Ashen' are all songs that deserve to be heard and although the AIC side of the band is plainly evident, it never overtakes your senses and makes you realise that this is a pretty fine album in its own right. You also get a shot of Justice era Metallica on the heavier sounding track 'Industry Witch', which is yet another track worthy of your ears. The acoustic led 'Hideaway' shows the band in reflective mood as they tell the tale of a drug addicted prostitute being given a second chance - the subject matters are all generally pretty dour, down beat and yet all with a seemingly with a happier undertone of rebirth and light. I'm thinking Kirk Hulshoff is looking for a second chance in life and on the evidence of this album, he may get his wish?

The comparisons are obvious but if you're bored of listening to 'Dirt' and 'Sap' over and over, then you could do a lot, lot worse than invest in ZombieShakerBox.
 
www.myspace.com/zombieshakerbox